Hello and thank you for visiting AikiWeb, the
world's most active online Aikido community! This site is home to
over 22,000 aikido practitioners from around the world and covers a
wide range of aikido topics including techniques, philosophy, history,
humor, beginner issues, the marketplace, and more.

If you wish to join in the discussions or use the other advanced
features available, you will need to register first. Registration is
absolutely free and takes only a few minutes to complete so sign up today!

One of the best books I've seen for all basic and intermediate students of aikido. Useful for instructors as well.

Yamada sensei is head of New York Aikikai and the United States Aikido Federation (USAF), all under the International Aikido Federation (IAF) based at Hombu dojo in Tokyo, Japan. (Very legit.) He studied under O'Sensei.

To say Yamada sensei knows his stuff would be a great understatement. His book, while admittedly not covering many aikido waza (of which there are an unlimited number) covers much of the basics very well. The photos are large and clear, and, usually when needed, additional sketches are included.

"Ultimate Aikido" also includes a very brief biography on Morihei Ueshiba (the founder of aikido), dojo etiquette (sitting and bowing), warm-up exercises, stance, falling, USAF and IAF listings, a glossary, and USAF promotional test requirements up to 3rd dan.

Covers all the basic techniques of the USAF-ER. If you are new to a USAF-ER dojo then this will help you understand the confusing names of techniques. Many of the techniques found in the book are also test techniques.

Cons:

Get this book if you are starting your practice in a dojo that is affiliated with the USAF-Eastern Region. The book covers the basic attacks and throws and also other things like bowing, and rolls. The biggest plus is that it will be a great aid for your first few kyu tests as it includes all the techniques from 5th through 3rd kyu as well as many for 2nd kyu. Also, if you don\'t know what\'s on your test there is a listing of the testing requirements in the back of the book.

------------------------------Anne Marie GiriWomen in Aikido: a place where us gals can come together and chat about aikido.

This book was given to me by a friend when I told him I was beginning Aikido. It has been very helpful to me in identifying the things I have worked on at the dojo and getting to know my basics. The glossary in the back is very useful for me in getting terminology correct.